The ongoing Pokémon World Championships in Anaheim is delivering both competitive thrills and nostalgic surprises, with a stunning homage to the games that started it all. The annual event, known as the highest level of competition across Pokémon’s video game, Trading Card Game, and Pokémon GO scenes, has once again proven itself to be as much a celebration of the franchise’s history as it is a stage for champions.
A Nostalgic Red and Blue Display
This year’s highlight is a full-scale recreation of one of the most iconic moments in Pokémon history. On-site, fans are greeted with a massive display featuring a battle between Nidorino and Gengar, echoing the opening animation from Pokémon Red and Blue. The installation perfectly captures the spirit of the original Game Boy titles, reminding players where the Pokémon journey began.
The display is showcased prominently at the Anaheim venue and shared widely on Pokémon’s official social media channels, ensuring fans around the globe can enjoy the homage to the series’ roots.
Beyond the Battles
The World Championships are more than just tournaments. This year, Pokémon GO is running a special event throughout the weekend, featuring a unique Pikachu, bonus GO Battle League rewards, and an exclusive code for an in-game shirt. Meanwhile, the Pokémon TCG is offering a limited-edition promo card— a Pikachu stamped with the World Championships logo—giving collectors and fans something special to take home.
Sneak Peek at Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Alongside the festivities, fans attending Worlds have the chance to try out a playable demo of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the next major installment in the series. Launching this October, the game takes players back to the Kalos region and reintroduces Mega Evolutions, both in the video games and in the Pokémon TCG. This marks the first time Mega Pokémon will return to the card game since the X and Y era, further building anticipation among fans.
A Celebration of the Franchise’s Future
The Pokémon World Championships 2025 serves as both a nod to the franchise’s beginnings and a look toward its future. With Legends: Z-A on the horizon, new TCG mechanics, and plenty of in-game events for fans worldwide, the rest of the year is set to be packed with exciting developments for Pokémon enthusiasts.
